Men's Center - A-Z Index

Wrist pain

Wrist pain is any pain or discomfort in the wrist.

Alternative Names

Pain - wrist

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome: A common cause of wrist pain is carpal tunnel syndrome
. You may feel aching, burning, numbness, or tingling in your palm, wrist, thumb, or fingers. The thumb muscle can become weak, making it difficult to grasp things. Pain may extend up to your elbow.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve gets compressed at the wrist because of swelling. This is the nerve in the wrist that allows feeling and movement to parts of the hand. Swelling can occur if you:

Do repetitive movements with your wrist, such as typing on a computer keyboard, using a computer mouse, playing racquetball or handball, sewing, painting, writing, or using a vibrating tool

Are pregnant, menopausal, or overweight

Have diabetes, premenstrual syndrome, an underactive thyroid, or rheumatoid arthritis

Injury: Wrist pain with bruising and swelling is often a sign of an injury. Signs of a possible broken bone
include deformed joints and inability to move the wrist, hand, or a finger. Other common injuries include sprain
, strain
, tendinitis
, and bursitis
.

Arthritis: Arthritis
is another common cause of wrist pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are many types of arthritis:

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

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